# Sinkhole formation and groundwater depletion in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sinkhole-formation-and-groundwater-depletion-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-10-06T07:37:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) has identified 741 sinkholes across the Turkish provinces of Konya, Karaman, and Aksaray. The majority of these formations are concentrated in the Konya Closed Basin, with Konya accounting for 704 sinkholes, particularly in the Karapınar district. AFAD attributes the increasing frequency of these occurrences since 2010 to climate change, drought, and uncontrolled groundwater usage.

Geological experts report that groundwater levels in Konya continue to decline despite recent rainfall. To address the environmental crisis, experts are advising farmers to reduce their reliance on groundwater during the planting season and are calling for more effective, permanent water management planning to protect remaining resources.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Konya faces groundwater depletion and 704 sinkholes

Groundwater levels in Konya, Turkey, continue to fall despite recent rains, with 704 sinkholes reported in the region. Experts urge farmers to rely on soil moisture rather than groundwater.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/konya-faces-groundwater-depletion-and-704-sinkholes

### 2026-09-25: AFAD identifies 741 sinkholes in Konya, Karaman, and Aksaray

AFAD has identified 741 sinkholes in Turkey's Konya, Karaman, and Aksaray provinces, driven by drought and groundwater use, with 704 located in Konya alone.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afad-identifies-741-sinkholes-in-konya-karaman-and-aksaray

---
Cite as: Sinkhole formation and groundwater depletion in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sinkhole-formation-and-groundwater-depletion-in-turkey